The biggest reason why is because on any given night, there are dozens of amazing concerts going on around this city. And as someone who lives and breathes music, I know that I will NEVER be without somewhere to go to listen and be inspired. But, that also means there is always the possibility that conflicts may arise. Such was the case this past Tuesday when my favorite conductor was at Carnegie Hall and the Early Elton Trio was performing at Rockwood Hall.
Aries don't like to be forced to choose...
...and BAJ is a textbook Aries. *wink*
So I appeased the "classical geek fan girl" in me and went to the CD signing with Valery Gergiev at Juilliard which left me free and clear to go experience the brilliance that is Jeff Kazee/John Conte/Rich Pagano.
Sure, lots of singers and bands play songs by Elton John. But, that's not what this is.
It's about that perfect combination of the material and how it's communicated. It's not about nostalgia, but about hearing a song you know and feeling like you're experiencing it for the first time. And it's about the performers inviting you to join them on an emotional journey. These guys do this in spades.
I always come out of an EE show feeling mentally exhilarated and exhausted all at the same time. This show was no exception. I actually only took one picture during the entire show (which I tweeted.) Other than that, I just sat and listened and felt the music. Incredible.
Not yet recovered from that show, the next night brought the Jon Bon Jovi and Friends benefit event for Poly Prep Country Day School at the Best Buy Theater. I so love going to that theatre -- it is about two blocks from my apartment. (yay! no buses! LOL)
I had planned on attending this for several months as a friend affiliated with the school had purchased a ticket for me. They eventually opened it up to the general public -- as a result, it was nice to have the opportunity to catch up with many friends who I hadn't seen since the end of the tour.
The show opened with a number of performances by students of the school. Some were actually quite good, including this 11-year old rocker girl doing her own songs ... and with the likes of Jeffrey Lee Campbell (Sting) and Shawn Pelton (SNL) no less. Lucky girl!
As is the case with JBJ charity shows (and why I enjoy them so much), the set list was a mix of Bon Jovi songs and great cover songs like Start Me Up, Sympathy for the Devil, Twist and Shout, Under Pressure, The Letter (My Baby Just Wrote Me a Letter) and this one ...
It's always nice to see Jon truly enjoying himself when he does these events. And I was enjoying myself as well ... even during WSYCGH. Haha.
Although I was sitting pretty far back, I did manage to take a few pictures.
...as you can see, Mr. Bon Jovi dressed up for this one...nice jeans, Jonny. I wonder what his ringtone is. I'm thinking it's not "Living on a Prayer" like the woman who was sitting behind me. LOL
...I love this one with Lorenza...
All-in-all it was a fun night. Certainly gave me my Jovifix ... at least for a while.
And, hey! This week's musical fun isn't even over yet. Friday I get to introduce a couple of my Canadian friends to Outside the Box who will be doing a set or two at Bowery Electric.
So much music. So little time.
